Panasonic LUMIX G97 G97 Black 2025
A 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with 5-stop in-body stabilization and 4K30p recording in a weather-sealed 478g body delivers stable handheld footage and 9fps bursts. The 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen and Live View Composite mode offer flexible framing and in-camera layered long-exposure effects for creative control. Streamers and vloggers who prioritize compact stabilized video over pure stills resolution get the most from this setup.
Об этом Camera
About Panasonic LUMIX G97 Mirrorless Camera with LUMIX G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens A great choice for creative photography, LUMIX G97 offers exceptional picture quality with in-camera creative controls, featuring Live View Composite and advanced photo styles for uncompromising color expression. Designed to support bold shooting styles, it includes 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 and B.I.S. for enhanced stability. Its video capabilities cater to diverse needs, offering 4K 30p recording with no time limitation and versatile slow/quick motion options. With an intuitive interface and durable build, it boasts a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and convenient USB Type-C connectivity. Get Creative, with Superb Picture QualityLet your imagination take the lead, with a higher resolution than your phone; built-in, easy-to-use LUMIX Photo Style feature lets you fine-tune your images with a variety of color effect options, no need for outside apps.
One Photo, Many ExposuresCreate stunning light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background using Live View Composite Mode, which combines multiple exposures in real time.
Strong Support for an Aggressive Shooting StyleYour photos and videos will remain sharp even in challenging conditions, with a 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2* system that ensures unrivalled stability.
Unlimited Video PerformanceReduce cases of overheating; shoot in with 4K 30p with no time limitation**, slow-motion (4x) or quick-motion (8x) in FHD; create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L.
Intuitive Design for Smooth OperationLUMIX G97 makes it easy to frame and focus your shots accurately, even in bright conditions, with a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2,360k-dot OLED Live View Finder.
* Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used].** When the ambient temperature is high, the camera may stop the recording; wait until the camera cools down. New October 2025 Firmware Updates Available LUMIX Lab App Ver. 2.0• A new feature, Magic LUT allows users to experience the freedom of creating their own color. Select an image, and in an instant, AI will transform any photo to match the same colors, tones, and overall mood, creating your very own photo style as LUT• Magic LUT supports JPEG, HEIF and MP4 files taken on not only LUMIX camera but also cameras and smartphones from other brands• Users can fine-tune the colors before saving it as a LUT for editing and shooting, and even adjust the intensity or opacity in cameraLUMIX Flow App Ver 1.3LUMIX Flow is now available on LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, and GH7.New features and enhancements for all compatible models:• Mirroring feature improvements and support for multiple devices. Up to 4 devices can be connected• Vertical UI support for external monitors• Improved cut addition feature. A blank shot can be added as a sub-shot of a selected take or at the very end of the storyboard Warranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 36 months.https://na.panasonic.com/us/standardwarranty855-772-8324Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesCapture stunning 20.3MP photos with the LUMIX G97 mirrorless camera's incredible image quality.Enjoy versatile shooting with the included LUMIX 12-60mm lens, perfect for landscapes to portraits.Record smooth 4K video at 30fps, ideal for vlogging and capturing memories in high resolution.Never miss a shot with the G97's fast & accurate autofocus, ensuring sharp images every time.The 5-axis image stabilization provides steady shots handheld, even in low-light conditions.Compact & weather-sealed, this mirrorless camera is ready for any adventure, rain or shine!What's in the box:Panasonic LUMIX G97 Mirrorless Camera (Black)LUMIX G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Lens (H-FS12060)Battery PackShoulder StrapBody CapHot Shoe CoverCover for Battery Grip ConnectorLens CapLens HoodLens Rear CapPanasonic 3 Year Limited WarrantyArticles & VideosTwo for the road: New Panasonic LUMIX ZS99 and G97 aim for the run-and-gun photographer
- Capture stunning 20.3MP photos with the LUMIX G97 mirrorless camera's incredible image quality.
- Enjoy versatile shooting with the included LUMIX 12-60mm lens, perfect for landscapes to portraits.
- Record smooth 4K video at 30fps, ideal for vlogging and capturing memories in high resolution.
- Never miss a shot with the G97's fast & accurate autofocus, ensuring sharp images every time.
- The 5-axis image stabilization provides steady shots handheld, even in low-light conditions.
- Compact & weather-sealed, this mirrorless camera is ready for any adventure, rain or shine!
The 30-Second Version
Panasonic dusted off the G95, stuck a G97 badge on it, and hoped we wouldn't notice. Spoiler: we noticed, and you shouldn't buy this rehash.
Overview
Let's be straight: Panasonic basically took the 2019 Lumix G95, gave it a minor firmware tweak, and boxed it up as the G97. It's the same 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, the same contrast-detect autofocus system, and nearly the same body. That's a problem in 2025 when competitors are running circles around it. If you're a G95 owner, there's exactly zero reason to upgrade. If you're new to MFT, it's a mixed bag: you get a lightweight, weather-sealed body with excellent IBIS and some genuinely fun creative modes, but the autofocus is stuck in the past, and the image quality tops out at "just okay."
Performance
What surprised us most is how well this camera handles stabilization and video connectivity—its 93rd percentile connectivity score is top-notch for streaming, and the IBIS holds its own. But the autofocus is a letdown. Panasonic's depth-from-defocus system was fine in 2019, but it's now laughably behind Sony's real-time tracking or even OM System's phase-detect AF. In anything but perfect light, you'll notice the camera hunting, and that kills the vlogging and video appeal Panasonic is pushing. If you're shooting static scenes, it's okay, but for anything moving, frustration is built in.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Feature-packed with creative modes like Live View Composite 93th
- Excellent 5-stop IBIS that's rare at this price 85th
- Lightweight 478g body with solid weather sealing 84th
- Great connectivity options for streaming 77th
Cons
- Same 20.3MP sensor from the G95—no resolution bump
- Contrast-detect AF is slow and unreliable for moving subjects
- Mediocre battery life that won't last a full day of shooting
- Photography score is a dismal 50/100—avoid if stills are your priority
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | MOS |
| Size | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 20.3 |
| ISO Range | 200 |
Autofocus
| AF Type | AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF |
| Eye AF | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 9 |
| Max Shutter | 1/16000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 30 |
| 1080p FPS | 60 |
| Log Profile | Yes |
| Codec | AVCHD, MP4 |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 2360000 |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
Pricing for the G97 is all over the place—from a reasonable $748 at some sellers to an insane $178,334 (yes, really). Ignore the absurd numbers. At around $800 with the kit lens, you're getting a decent hybrid camera for streaming and travel, but you're also buying into an outdated platform. For a few hundred more, the Sony a6700 will blow it away in autofocus and image quality. The G97 only makes sense if you find it heavily discounted and all you care about is lightweight vlogging with stabilization.
vs Competition
Stack the G97 against the Sony a6700 and it's no contest: Sony's AI-driven autofocus is miles ahead, and its APS-C sensor produces sharper, cleaner images. Even within Micro Four Thirds, the OM System OM-1 Mark II is the camera this wishes it was—with a stacked sensor, superior burst speeds, and phase-detect AF that actually tracks subjects. The OM-1 is pricier, but if you're committed to MFT, it's the only real choice. The G97 sits in an awkward middle ground, too outdated to compete with modern cameras and too similar to the G95 to justify its existence.
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX G97 G97 | Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 | Canon EOS R EOS R6 Mark III | Sony a7 a7 V | Nikon Z9 Z9 | OM System OM OM-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 20.3MP micro-four-thirds | 40.2MP aps-c | 32.5MP full-frame | 33MP full-frame | 45.7MP full-frame | 20MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | - | 425 | 1053 | 759 | 1053 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 9 | 20 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 120 |
| Video | 4K @30fps | 8K @60fps | 6K @120fps | 4K @120fps | 8K @120fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 478 | 579 | 609 | 610 | 1160 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic LUMIX G97 G97 | 67.6 | 77.1 | 76.6 | 61.9 | 66.3 | 40.3 | 44.9 | 84.3 | 93.3 | 42.7 | 84.7 |
| Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 Compare | 88.1 | 95.5 | 89.5 | 85.5 | 99.9 | 97.1 | 97 | 84.3 | 93.3 | 94.6 | 93.5 |
| Canon EOS R EOS R6 Mark III Compare | 98.4 | 88 | 94.9 | 93.1 | 89.6 | 58.8 | 96.6 | 99.2 | 93.3 | 94.6 | 99.5 |
| Sony a7 a7 V Compare | 95.7 | 88.7 | 95 | 91 | 89.6 | 60.1 | 96.6 | 99.6 | 93.3 | 94.6 | 96.1 |
| Nikon Z9 Z9 Compare | 98.4 | 89.5 | 99.4 | 96.1 | 97.9 | 65 | 97.3 | 84.3 | 93.3 | 84.9 | 84.7 |
| OM System OM OM-1 Mark II Compare | 98.4 | 99.7 | 81.9 | 99.8 | 84.1 | 25.8 | 94.2 | 84.3 | 93.3 | 94.6 | 99.5 |
Common Questions
Q: Can this camera shoot 4K slow-motion?
Not really. It tops out at 4K 30fps, so you'll need to drop to 1080p at 60fps for any slow-mo. It's useable but nothing exciting.
Q: Is the autofocus reliable for vlogging?
Honestly, no. The contrast-detect system tends to hunt, especially if you're walking or moving around. You're better off with a Sony a6700 if face-tracking matters.
Q: What lenses work with the Lumix G97?
Any Micro Four Thirds lens will work, and the in-body stabilization helps steady even older glass. The included 12-60mm kit lens is surprisingly decent for everyday use.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a photographer eyeing the G97 for stills, just stop. The image quality is middling at best, and the autofocus will drive you nuts. Buy a used Sony a6700 or even an older Fujifilm X-T4 instead. Vloggers who need reliable face tracking should also pass.
Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix G97 is a camera without a real purpose. For streaming and light video work, it's passable, but the unreliable autofocus kills the fun if your subject moves. Photographers should look elsewhere entirely—its stills performance is embarrassingly weak. Unless you find a screaming deal and only need a stabilized, portable body for tripod work, skip it and put your money toward a Sony a6700 or a used OM System OM-1 Mark II.
